Testing (debunking?) the flaxseed method for seasoning cast iron

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As you know, the idea of using flaxseed oil to season a cast iron pan became known far and wide after Cook's Illustrated eagerly endorsed it. The article in question, published in the January 1, 2011 issue, was titled "The Ultimate Way To Season Cast Iron" and it specifically stated, "The flaxseed oil so effectively bonded to the skillets, forming a sheer, stick-resistant veneer, that even a run through our commercial dishwasher with a squirt of degreaser left them totally unscathed. But the vegetable oil-treated skillets showed rusty spots and patchiness when they emerged from the dishwasher, required reseasoning before use."

However, when we took the time to test this method, we came to considerably different results: enough for us to conclude there is *no* difference between seasoning a cast iron pan with flaxseed oil, and seasoning it with regular vegetable oil. Our test took place on the Facebook group "Cast Iron Cooking" at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cast-Ir... -- the photos of the tests can be seen at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?se...& ;type=1

For this episode of Take 5, we head to Hollywood where the food and drink scene is often mistakenly overlooked. Our host Joey takes us to five spots that are perfect for anyone in search of a good bite or drink in Tinseltown.

Take 5 is a video series that explores a city’s thriving dining scene, hosted by our very own Joey Skladany. We feature five restaurants in five different categories, hand-picked by five local celebrities and influencers.
In this episode, we head to Atlanta for restaurant picks from reality TV star Ms. Juicy, CBS Sports writer Barrett Sallee, TV and Broadway star Merle Dandridge, CNN/HLN journalist Henna Bakshi, and Joey’s first grade teacher Freda Hubbard Pittard.
Our list includes: MetroFresh, Irby’s Tavern, Yebo Ski/Beach Haus, R. Thomas’ Deluxe Grill,
and Sublime Donuts.

What do people expect when they order a Hot Toddy? Not the original Jerry Thomas version; those are gross, says Jeffrey. Give your guests something flavorful that really warms them up. Start with a good Scotch Whisky and layer on lemon juice, ginger honey syrup and pimento dram. That is something worth drinking on a cold winter night!